Beckhams' staff held over alleged theft from mansion

Published on Monday 13 October 2008 22:17

DAVID and Victoria Beckham's housekeepers have been arrested and accused of stealing valuables from the couple's "Beckingham Palace" mansion.

The alleged theft came to light after Victoria's parents recognised items for sale on an online auction website that seemed to be identical to property belonging to their daughter.

They went to the Beckhams' multimillion-pound home in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire and after they discovered that those items were missing, the police were called in.

Yesterday, officers confirmed that a suspected theft had been reported to them last Friday afternoon.

Detectives travelled to the home of the Beckhams' housekeepers and arrested them on suspicion of theft.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police confirmed that a 56-year-old woman and a man aged 55 had been arrested at their home in Nazeing, Essex, in connection with theft from the Beckhams' mansion.

He went on: "They were later released on police bail to return to the station in November, pending further investigations."

The spokesman refused to give details of the items allegedly stolen from the Beckhams, adding that the details could form part of the evidence in any prosecution.

However, a source said they were mostly personal and sentimental items collected by the couple during their travels abroad.

"They include mostly small but expensive trinkets and some pieces which were on decorative display.

"Together, they add up to quite a high value," the source said.